InternViews: Melisa Bordianu

InternViews is a series where we ask Grady College students to describe their internship experience.

Melisa Bordianu, a public relations master’s student, interned for IHG hotels & Resorts in Atlanta this summer. Read more about her internship experience below.

Provide a brief overview of your role and its associated responsibilities.

During my internship as an internal communications intern with Global Corporate Affairs at IHG Hotels & Resorts in Atlanta, I supported a variety of internal and external communications initiatives. I planned and wrote stories for IHG’s internal platform to engage employees, analyzed key communication metrics to assess how internal communications supported IHG and developed materials for a company-wide community giving initiative. I also contributed to media relations by assisting with pitches and supporting brand campaigns which strengthened my skills in storytelling and communications strategy.

What opportunities did you have during your internship?

One of the most meaningful opportunities I had during my internship was attending the three-day Global Corporate Affairs offsite in Savannah, Georgia. The event gave me the chance to connect with colleagues across the Americas, participate in team-building sessions and hear from panels and guest speakers. A highlight of the offsite was our community service project where we volunteered with local organizations as part of IHG’s commitment to giving back. In addition to the offsite, the internship program at IHG also offered weekly workshops and meetings designed to support the 2025 intern class in developing professional skills. We also had fun activities together, like going to an Atlanta United soccer game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

What is one piece of work you are proud of creating in this role?

One piece of work I am proud of creating during my internship was developing communication materials for IHG Climb, a platform that helps hotel team members improve in their roles. I created weekly modules for September and October that focused on a company-wide community giving initiative. These included volunteer ideas, role descriptions, a community tracker and resources that made it easier for employees to get involved and for the company to see participation. This project was especially meaningful because it encouraged engagement and giving back while letting me contribute in a hands-on way.

How has the Grady curriculum prepared you for this internship?

The Grady curriculum prepared me for this internship by giving me a strong foundation in writing and strategic communication. My public relations and journalism courses taught me how to communicate stories clearly, conduct focused research and collaborate effectively with others. These skills helped me immensely when writing internal stories and creating communication materials at IHG.

Did you receive any mentorship or guidance? How did it impact your experience?

As part of the intern program, each intern was paired with a mentor and met with them at least once a week. My mentor was incredibly supportive throughout the 10 weeks, offering advice on both personal and professional development. She encouraged me to ask questions, share my interests and think about career goals. Her guidance not only helped me navigate my internship projects but also gave me valuable takeaways as I prepare for my last semester of school and beyond.

What challenges have you overcome in this role?

In this internship, I was given assignments in Microsoft Excel and asked to analyze metrics, which is not one of my strengths. My skills are more in developing content and creating ideas, so at first I felt nervous and even panicked. However, I saw it as a chance to improve in an area I am not as strong in. I asked for help when I needed it, and by the end, I was able to complete my projects successfully.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you gained from your experience?

The most valuable piece of advice I gained from my internship was to be my own advocate and express interest in the things I want to be part of. I learned that speaking up shows initiative and can open the door to new opportunities. For instance, I told my manager I was interested in being involved with the PR and social media team, and he immediately connected me with that group. This gave me the chance to participate in their meetings and gain more experience in something I am passionate about.

How has this internship influenced your future career?

This internship influenced my future career by confirming that I want to work in communications and public relations. I learned that I enjoy combining writing and strategy to engage different audiences. It also gave me confidence to succeed in a global company and motivated me to keep building my skills. I also gained valuable networking opportunities by connecting with professionals and learning from their career paths. Overall, this experience gave me a clearer vision of the direction I want to take after graduation.

Editor: Lily Alarcon, lia52467@uga.edu